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BLITZ CUP II
Tulsa, Oklahoma - The Tulsa Twisters were once again hosting the
Blitz Cup on their home field. Both Blitz Cup games in the MLF's short history have
been played in Tulsa. Tulsa was defeated by Chicago in the first ever Blitz Cup
and was looking for redemption in front of a full crowd of wild home town fans.
The game started with a bang when Winnipeg WR Zaxby returned the opening kickoff
92 for a touchdown putting up the favored Winnipeg Storm up 7 to 0 with just seconds
gone in the game. The Twisters immediately responded with a 7 play 84 yard drive
that ended with a 9 yard touchdown from Winlock to Block. The Storm then responded
with a 50 yard field goal by Simpkins to make the score Storm 10 - Twisters 7 at
the end of the first quarter.
Tulsa tied the game early in the second quarter at 10 with a 26 yard field goal
by Mitkowski. The Storm took the ball on there own 20 and marched down the field
with 10 play drive that resulted in a 7 yard TD pass from Arcea to Boultinghou.
After a quick Tulsa series resulting in a punt, the Twisters Dedrick intercepted
an Arcea pass at the 50 yard line which resulted in a field goal attempt of 55 yards
by Mitkowski that fell inches short. The half ended with the score Winnipeg 17 -
Tulsa 10.
The Twisters received the second half kick off and marched down the field in a well
executed 9 play, 82 yard drive for a 1 yard pass to Blok for his second TD of the
game, tying the score at 17. Tulsa had momentum on their side as they held the Storm
to a quick 3 and out and scoring quickly on a 40 touchdown pass from Winlock to
little used back Etter. The third quarter ended with the score Tulsa 24 - Winnipeg
17.
The Storm rallied back to tie the game at 24 early in the fourth quarter with Boultinghou's
second touchdown reception of the game after a 9 play 81 yard drive. After a Tulsa
3 and out Winnipeg took a 27 to 24 lead with a long 50 yard field goal by Simpkins.
Tulsa responded with a 5 play 76 yard drive to take the lead 31 to 27 on a Thompson
6 yard TD reception. With time running out in stadium of raucous Tulsa fans Winnipeg
was down to what seemed to be their last hope when it was 4th down and 19 at their
own 42 yard line with about three minutes left. Tulsa erupted in celebration when
the Twisters intercepted the Arcea pass and was downed at the 45 yard line. Leading
by 4, all Tulsa had to do now is run out the clock to claim their first ever MLF
championship.
Surprisingly, Tulsa's Offensive coordinator Jackson called 4 straight pass plays
moving the ball deep into Winnipeg’s territory until....... Tulsa's TE Blok, who
would have been under consideration for the game's MVP award fumbled the ball with
1:01 left. As this teammates tried to console him the Storm took to the field one
last time with but the faintest glimmer of hope. In a drive that was anything but
pretty and included a 4th and 11 play the Storm somehow moved down the field until
they were at the Twisters 9 yard line with only 3 seconds left in the game. Winnipeg's
Chrys who had a solid game rushing the ball but was mostly held in check and had
caught no passes somehow found a empty spot in the Twisters defense right on the
goal line where Arcea hit him with a bullet pass and the Storm had pulled out the
most dramatic victory in MLF history 34 to 31 with no time left on the clock and
a stunned and silent Tulsa crowd.
It is unknown if the Storm will return to Winnipeg for a victory celebration or
head straight to Mobile, Alabama, their home for next season. Tulsa will take very
little time off before starting their quest to reach their 3rd straight Blitz Cup.
COACHING RUMORS
Mexico City is rumored to be interviewing Jack Bicknell, Jim Harbough and Sterling
Sharpe for their head coaching vacancy. Owner and GM Michael Burmeister isnt leaking
much information at the moment only to say, "I am going to hire the one that best
fits our formula to win"
Mike Price who was recently let go from the Maple Leafs new owenrship, is rumored
to be the leading candidate for the new Halifax "yet to be named" team's
vacancy. Mike Shula, Dennis Green and Tulsa's Ron Rivera are also believed to be
in contact with the ownership. Halifax owner Grand Marquis has requested permission
to talk to Rivera.
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